World Science & Engineering University Portal: 20 Fully-Funded PhD Positions in Molecular Cell Biology 2009

20 Fully-Funded PhD Positions in Molecular Cell Biology: the 2009 Application Round is Now Open! Apply by Monday, 19th of January, 2009

At the moment there are four PhD programmes:

International PhD Programme 'Molecular Cell Biology' (more)
International Helmholtz Research School 'Molecular Neurobiology' (MolNeuro) (more)
International Helmholtz Research School 'Translational Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine' (TransCard) (more)
MDC - NYU PhD Programme 'Medical Systems Biology' (more)

Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), jointly with its partners, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin (HU), Freie Universität Berlin (FU), and Leibniz Institute for Molecular Pharmacology (FMP), have established the Helmholtz Graduate School ‘Molecular Cell Biology’ (HGS-MCB) to offer a unified interdisciplinary platform for the structured PhD training, consolidating postgraduate activities at the MDC, coordinating and integrating these with the partners’ graduate programmes, and developing strategic international alliances.

In order to address medical challenges posed by complex diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, neurodegeneration etc., a strong effort in Molecular Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine is crucial. The MDC is a leading national research centre in this area, with the specific focus on three major groups of illnesses: cardiovascular diseases, cancer and neural disorders. It has an exceptional research base, a unique cooperation between basic researchers and clinical scientists, and established cooperation with its partner universities. This clearly allows the MDC to take a leading role in training of future scientists in medically-oriented and fundamental Molecular Cell Biology.

HGS-MCB supports and provides central services to the faculty and all MDC PhD students:

Skills Development Programme (covering communication & networking skills, career development, project management, commercialisation of research, etc.);
Travel and Collaboration Fund (to attend conferences, external courses, and other research laboratories);
Annual Review of PhD Projects by the interdisciplinary long-standing PhD Project Committees;
University Interface (assistance with the registration at the parnter universities and organisation of the PhD defence)
World-Wide Promotion of the MDC and its doctoral programmes, and organisation of the selection of PhD students;
Individual Research Groups also offer PhD positions on a regular basis, which can be found on the MDC web-site (more).

HOW TO APPLY

Requirements

We are looking for high-calibre candidates of any nationality, who are passionate about science, wish to make a difference and are prepared to work hard. Eligible candidates should:

hold or expect to obtain a degree equivalent to Masters (by research) or a German Diplom in Molecular or Cell Biology or a related field (Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Genetics, Developmental Biology, Neurobiology, etc.)
have good command of English;
arrange for 2 - 3 Evaluation Letters from scientists who know you from your work, studies or supervised your Masters/Diplom thesis.

Application Process

Please read the Guidelines for the Applicants 2009.
Unfortunately we found a mistake in the fax number of the old Evaluation Form. We want to apologize for any inconvenience. The updated Evaluation Form can be downloaded here. You need Acrobat Reader to access the form (free download is available here).

To access the Application Web-Site please follow this link: http://mdcphd.mdc-berlin.de/
Please note, that paper applications will not be considered. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

Selection Process

Admission to one of our graduate programmes is highly competitive and involves a two stage selection process:
(1) Candidates are short-listed on the criteria of their achievements to date and research interests, and the Evaluation Letters. Short-listed candidates will be contacted by the end of February, 2009.
(2) Short-listed candidates are invited to Berlin for a 4-7 days interactive selection stage, which involves giving a short presentation with an overview of the candidate’s research skills and experience, discussions with the research group leaders and members of the research groups, and a formal interview by the Graduate Commission. 2009 Interviews will take place at the end of March (provisionally planned for 22 - 29 March 2009).
During the interview stage candidates will also have a tour of the campus and the labs, and have an opportunity to see Berlin. All related expenses (economy travel, stay at the guest-house or hotel, meals and excursions) are covered by the MDC.
The outcomes of the selection process will be made known to all interviewed candidates by the middle of April.